ILSRC Research Article Published In F1000

Mar 2, 2015

The F1000 Research Journal, a publication known for its open, transparent and all inclusive approach to scientific research, has published the Integrated Life Science Research Center’s (ILSRC) article titled “Effect of microalgae application on soil algal species diversity, cation exchange capacity, and organic matter after herbicide treatments”.

The ILSRC is an affiliate company of Global Organics®, composed of plant physiologists, agronomists, microbiologists, environmental scientists, and technicians with laboratory and field experience. The ILSRC works in conjunction with BioFlora®, the agricultural division of Global Organics, to deliver a proprietary product line to the international agricultural market.

Microalgae and BioFlora®

Microalgae are one of the three main areas of BioFlora’s new product technologies. BioFlora’s most prominent microalgae enhanced product is GOgreen®, a microalgae solution composed of species in the genera Chlorella, Nannochloris and Scenedesmus. Noted benefits this research study prepared to examine GOgreen’s ability to enhance the buffering capacity of soils (allowing microorganisms to function more effectively), reducing soil compaction (by changing a soils aggregation profile), and increasing nutrient uptake (for greater plant metabolism and better root and plant structure).

Abstract

Soil microalgae live in communities that change their structure depending on many factors; including soil pH, agricultural practices, as well as pesticide and herbicide treatments. The size and activity of these soil microbial communities is an indicator of the health, quality and fertility necessary for sustainable agriculture. Soils can contain as many as 1,000,000 algal cells per gram of soil; by adding GOgreen, the benefits of this important class of organisms is released.

Methods

GOgreen was applied at different concentrations through a center pivot irrigation system on 5 experimental plots (4 BioFlora – 1 Control). This trial utilized 34,000 plants/acre of corn that was planted in May and harvested in November, allowing each plot to be studied for 6 months. In addition, one plot was planted for a second year to study the effects of consecutive planting and harvesting on algal populated soil. Microalgae species were identified through morphological criteria, and soil samples were tested for organic matter content (OM), pH and cation exchange capacity (CEC).

Results

Treatment with GOgreen had significant and measurable positive effects on soil OM content, CEC, pH and microalgae species diversity.

Conclusions

It was demonstrated through this study that GOgreen increased diatom numbers and microalgae species diversity showing a restorative effect on soil quality after herbicide treatment in heavily farmed soil. Additionally, GOgreen lowered the pH in soils with a pH higher than 7.0, emerging as an economical alternative that is safe for human consumption and the environment.

Within the Global Organics Group, the Integrated Life Science Research Center® (ILSRC) works as the research and development arm of leading plant health division BioFlora®, and human and animal health division, Mineral BioSciences®. As such, the ILSRC investigates a wide variety of subjects, including: agronomy, microbiology, chemistry, plant pathology, and human and animal physiology, just to name a few. To support these markets, the vision of the ILSRC is to promote and develop sustainable practices, products, and services by utilizing pioneering techniques, disciplines, chemistry, and methodology. For more information about Global Organics® Group, or to interview CEO and Managing Partner Luke Blotsky, please contact Sarah Van Wyk at svanwyk@globalorganicsgroup.com or visit www.globalorganicsgroup.com.